Letter: A statement from Loyola University in New Orleans

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Loyola University New Orleans is built upon a Catholic and Jesuit foundation of education that is committed to respectful civil discourse and argument. We respect others on campus, whether students, faculty, or staff, who have differing opinions. Loyola, like any university, operates in an environment where all opinions can be expressed in a respectful manner without harassment and intimidation.

Recently, there have been several exchanges regarding the issue of the sanctity of life and questions regarding how student organizations are established at Loyola. This serves to clarify the university’s process and position on this matter.

The formation of any student group is accomplished through application to the Office of Student Involvement and then by review and approval from the Student Government Association (SGA). However, the SGA can only approve organizations that support the Catholic, Jesuit mission of our institution.

While we do respect the rights of students to practice self-expression and we do provide opportunity for them to have safe spaces and voice diverging opinions, Loyola unequivocally upholds the teachings of the Catholic church regarding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.

In keeping with our Catholic and Jesuit mission, Loyola will not recognize a pro-choice campus organization or allow any such group to receive financial support from the university.

In a published statement, “Protecting the Least Among Us: A Statement of the Society of Jesus in the United States on Abortion,” the Society of Jesus aims to provide spiritual leadership and ethical guidance on these delicate and controversial topics. Click here to learn more.

We are a university that practices kindness, compassion, and solidarity with others and strives to create an environment where everyone not only feels welcome but also inspired and included. Above all, we support the teachings of the Catholic church in its respect for all life.

Loyola University New Orleans

4 Comments

4 Responses to “Letter: A statement from Loyola University in New Orleans”

Chris T Crifasi on
May 2nd, 2018 12:32 pm

Amen! It shouldn’t be surprising that a CATHOLIC University would not allow a pro-abortion student group to be formed! Way to go Wolfpack

I understand the school cannot allow a school funded pro-choice group do to institutional values. HOWEVER. That does not mean that the school gets to act surprised and ask themselves how people were displeased when a pro-life group is thrown in our faces in the middle of campus. If they want a table in the Dana Center, fine. But to take up the space they did, in the middle of campus so you literally couldn’t avoid seeing it is ridiculous. And the institution should be absolutely ashamed that they thought this was a good idea and let it happen.

I will speak on my personal opinion. I cannot agree with this at all. While I did apply and decide to go here knowing and understanding what the school stood behind that does not mean I cannot disagree. Which was stated in the article. What I do not fully comprehend is as to why a pro choice org or anything similar to it can not be established on campus regardless if the school agrees with it. If Loyola really believes in respectable discussion then it would allow for both orgs to be on campus. If not then it is hypocritical of the school to say that they want discussion on both sides of the coin. It seems to me since a pro choice org is not allowed on campus then that half of the argument is being silenced.

WOW. I’m a loyola student and they should probably find out the % of its student that are actually religious/attended the school for religious values if they don’t want to go bankrupt. People aren’t going to college cause god wants em to spend all that money, they want to make CHOICES for themselves, and be progressive for themselves and in the world. Regardless of Loyola’s Jesuit origin, I would argue that decisions like these are not on behalf of the student body but just some religious origin story that doesnt and shouldnt inform loyolas day to day operations in any way, other than the idea that education can provide values as well as skills and utility.